Episode 3 - Faith over Fear - Reflections of the heart

The Illusion of Control

Letting Go of the Reins and Finding True Freedom in Surrender

Do you ever feel like you have to keep everything together… like if you don’t stay in control, everything will fall apart?

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, we confront one of the most convincing lies we’ve bought into: the illusion of control.

For the greater part of my life I thought I was in control of my life, my destiny and that it was my job to figure out my purpose and to fulfill it. The idea of having to ask someone what it is that I am supposed to do, to help me live out my destiny and to be the leader and guide of my life seemed preposterous. I mean I am me. An individual fully capable of making my own choices, gaining the knowledge needed to carry out what it is I feel led and compelled to do and make my mark on this world under my own power. Right? Boy was I wrong. I missed the boat or class or chapter in the book of life that said we were here to please God that He created us for specific purposes and gave us gifts to fulfill those purposes.

For years, I thought I had to figure it all out—plan it, build it, manage it, fix it. I believed my life, my future, and even my purpose were solely mine to shape. But the truth is: I was never meant to lead - I was created to follow. Not aimlessly, but faithfully. God never called us to carry the weight of control. He called us to surrender.

We’ll explore:

• • The false promises of self-reliance
  • What surrender really means (and what it doesn’t)
  • How Jesus modeled surrender in Gethsemane
  • Why control leads to burnout, but surrender leads to peace
  • My personal story of letting go and what God did in the quiet afterward
    

• This isn’t about giving up—it’s about giving in to a God who already knows the plan and invites us to walk in step with Him.

  If you’re tired, burdened, overwhelmed, or just feeling like life is heavier than it should be—this episode is for you.

  Let’s talk about trading striving for trust. Let’s talk about laying it all down. Let’s talk about freedom in Christ.

  
  

  Scripture references:

  Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

  Proverbs 16:3-4 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

  Luke 9:23 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

  Luke 22:42 - “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

  Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  If you know someone who's struggling with this and could benefit from the ideas discussed please feel free to share it with them.

  To reach me to leave a comment my email address click hereTo subscribe to my Substack here is the link:

  And to read the original post this derived from here is the link: The Illusion of Control